There’s a place in every major city, where happiness and life is sucked out of every individual that enters. A normally happy person can enter this place, and the second their big toe penetrates the environment, all happiness, light and laughter is temporarily drawn out of them. It only happens for the 20-45 minutes that they enter this dark tunnel. AKA the black hole of happiness.

Also known in Toronto as the TTC.

Every morning, commuters from all over the city and suburbs gather up their work gear, head over to their local TTC stop, and then become absolutely miserable for the next 20-45 minutes. What’s that all about? I find it incredible to look around at all of the miserable faces that, I know, if they weren’t on their commute, they would be normally happy individuals. You can often tell this because as soon as they get off the TTC, they begin to smile  and lightness enters their life once again.

I’m not sure what causes the manic depressiveness that is felt when one enters the TTC. I’m not sure if it’s the horrible florescent lighting. I’m not sure if it’s because of the harshness of the atmosphere, but whatever it is, it needs to change. Because my friends, starting out the day in such a negative way is not good for ANYONE.

When I’m on the TTC, I try to make sure that I smile. Yes, I realize I look crazy,  but smiling can be contagious. Also, when travelling with friends I try to tell funny stories, as laughter also is contagious.

A part of me wonders if they started to play light music on the Subway or Street Car, if it would make the experience better and people would stop looking as if they were planning someone’s death.

All this being said, the commute to work should be an enjoyable experience, as it is what starts you out for the entire day. It is the foundation for your entire experience. So, if the atmosphere cannot change, then WE can change. We need to look at the commute as an adventure rather than a nuisance. This also applies to driving commuters as well. So what you’re in a traffic jam. This means you have that much more time to sing at the top of your lungs to favourite songs. This also means you have more time to carefully plan out your day so it will run in an organized fashion.

Please watch the below video. Not only is it funny, but it is also pretty relevant: